Purpose

To amend the B&NES Street Works Permit
Scheme to introduce changes to street works permit fees. The
council charges fees for street works permits to statutory
undertakers (utility companies) for undertaking works on the public
highway. The council is entitled to charge a fee to cover the cost
of operating the permit scheme in relation to utility works.
Current fee levels have been reviewed and need to be increased in
order to cover the operating costs of running the permit scheme.
The council has consulted utility companies in line with statutory
requirements on proposed new fees.
In order to bring the new fee structure in place, it is necessary
to make an Order. This new fee structure would supersede those fees
set out in the Council’s fees & charges document which
was confirmed as part of the 2026/27 Budget.
The current and proposed permit fees are attached as background
papers.
The changes to fees and charges have been agreed in consultation
with the relevant Cabinet Member.

Decision

An Order be made to amend the B&NES Street
Works Permit Scheme with revised fees for street works
permits.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – do nothing.
This is not considered to be an option as costs have increased
since the Permit Scheme was originally introduced and we would be
unable to cover our scheme operating costs.

Option 2 – abandon the Permit Scheme.
This is not considered to be an option due to the benefits provided
by the scheme.

Option 3 – amend the Permit Scheme fees to ensure that our
operating costs are covered.
This is considered to be the most appropriate course of action in
the circumstances.